U.S. patent number 10,888,135 [Application Number 16/106,932] was granted by the patent office on 2021-01-12 for pre-tensioned article and method of making.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin.
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United States Patent |
10,888,135 |
Cross , et al. |
January 12, 2021 |
Pre-tensioned article and method of making
Abstract
A pre-tensioned article and method of making an article of
footwear involving pre-tensioning a sole structure during
manufacturing. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include
a plurality of apertures that provide an auxetic effect. In further
embodiments, the upper may also be pre-tensioned in a similar
manner as the sole structure.
Inventors: |
Cross; Tory M. (Portland,
OR), Farris; Bryan N. (North Plains, OR), Langvin;
Elizabeth (Sherwood, OR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
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Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton,
OR)
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Family
ID: |
1000005293687 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/106,932 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180352893 A1 |
Dec 13, 2018 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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15604870 |
May 25, 2017 |
10098409 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
3/26 (20130101); A43B 13/186 (20130101); A43D
3/02 (20130101); A43B 13/188 (20130101); A43B
23/0275 (20130101); A43B 9/12 (20130101); A43B
13/141 (20130101); A43B 23/027 (20130101); A43B
23/028 (20130101); A43B 11/00 (20130101); A43B
9/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
3/26 (20060101); A43B 9/02 (20060101); A43B
9/12 (20060101); A43B 13/14 (20060101); A43D
3/02 (20060101); A43B 13/18 (20060101); A43B
23/02 (20060101); A43B 11/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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745335 |
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Feb 1956 |
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GB |
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2016144410 |
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Sep 2016 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Kavanaugh; Ted
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Quinn IP Law
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a divisional of, and claims priority to,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/604,870, filed on May 25, 2017,
the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; a sole structure
attached to the upper; wherein each of the upper and the sole
structure defines a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic
configuration; wherein, when worn by a user, the sole structure is
configured to expand auxetically, and the upper is also configured
to expand auxetically; wherein the article of footwear has an
unworn article state and a worn article state; wherein the article
of footwear transitions from the unworn article state to the worn
article state in response to the user wearing the article of
footwear; wherein the plurality of apertures of the upper and the
sole structure are closed when the article of footwear is in the
unworn article state; and wherein the plurality of apertures of the
upper and the sole structure are open when the article of footwear
is in the worn article state.
2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole
structure has a first thickness when the article of footwear is in
the unworn article state, the sole structure has a second thickness
when the sole structure is subjected to a lateral force, and the
first thickness and the second thickness are substantially
similar.
3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein, when the
upper and the sole structure are subjected to a force of a same
magnitude, both the upper and the sole structure are configured to
expand at a substantially similar rate.
4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein when the
upper and the sole structure are subjected to a force of a same
magnitude, the upper expands at a greater rate than that of the
sole structure.
5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole
structure comprises foam.
6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of apertures of the sole structure are substantially a
same size as the plurality of apertures of the upper while the
article of footwear is in the unworn article state.
7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper
has an unworn upper state and a worn upper state, the upper
transitions from the unworn upper state to the worn upper state in
response to the user wearing the article of footwear, while the
sole structure is is in a worn sole state, the plurality of
apertures of the sole structure are larger than the plurality of
apertures of the upper while the upper is in the worn upper
state.
8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole
structure includes a forefoot region, a heel region, and a midfoot
region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region,
the plurality of apertures of the sole structure in the heel region
are fully closed, the plurality of apertures of the sole structure
in the forefoot region are fully extended, and the plurality of
apertures of the sole structure in the midfoot region are partially
closed.
9. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper
has a first thickness, the sole structure has a second thickness,
and the first thickness is less than the second thickness.
10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of apertures of the upper are larger than the plurality
of apertures of the sole structure.
11. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of apertures of the upper and the sole structure expand
at a substantially similar rate when subjected to a substantially
similar magnitude of force.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear,
and in particular to articles of footwear with uppers and sole
structures.
Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an
upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from a variety
of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to
form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely
receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion
of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the
ground. In many articles of footwear, including athletic footwear
styles, the sole structure often incorporates an insole, a midsole,
and an outsole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sole structure
with auxetic apertures in a relaxed state;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the embodiment of the sole structure
of FIG. 1 in a tensioned state;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sole structure and
a last;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sole structure
positioned adjacent to a last;
FIG. 5 is schematic view of an embodiment of a tensioned sole
structure positioned adjacent to a last;
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear being removed from a last;
FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear separate from a last;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear in a relaxed state;
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 8 in a
relaxed state;
FIG. 10 is an isometric cutaway view of the article of footwear
from FIG. 8 in a relaxed state;
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a foot being inserted into the
article of footwear of FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an article of footwear with a foot
inserted into the article of footwear;
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG.
12;
FIG. 14 is an isometric cutaway view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sole structure
with auxetic apertures in a relaxed state;
FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an upper with
auxetic apertures in a relaxed state;
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the sole structure of FIG. 15 in a
tensioned state;
FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the upper of FIG. 16 in a tensioned
state;
FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a relaxed upper and
a relaxed sole structure along with a last;
FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the upper being wrapped around the
last;
FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the upper secured to the last;
FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the sole structure being positioned
adjacent to the last;
FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the sole structure being
tensioned;
FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear being removed from the last;
FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the article of footwear completely
removed from the last;
FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear in a relaxed state;
FIG. 27 is an isometric cutaway view of the article of footwear
from FIG. 26 in a relaxed state;
FIG. 28 is an alternate isometric cutaway view of the article of
footwear from FIG. 26 in a relaxed state;
FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a foot being inserted into the
article of footwear of FIG. 26;
FIG. 30 is an isometric view of an article of footwear with a foot
inserted into the article of footwear;
FIG. 31 is an isometric cutaway view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is an alternate isometric cutaway view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of
footwear on a foot;
FIG. 34 is a schematic view of an embodiment set of an upper and a
sole structure; and
FIG. 35 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment set of an
upper and a sole structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For clarity, the detailed descriptions herein describe certain
exemplary embodiments, but the disclosure herein may be applied to
any article of footwear comprising certain features described
herein and recited in the claims. In particular, although the
following detailed description discusses exemplary embodiments in
the form of footwear such as running shoes, jogging shoes, tennis,
squash or racquetball shoes, basketball shoes, sandals and
flippers, the disclosures herein may be applied to a wide range of
footwear or possibly other kinds of articles.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are
employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the
illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal direction" as used
throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a
direction extending from heel to toe, which may be associated with
the length, or longest dimension, of an article of footwear such as
a sports or recreational shoe. Also, the term "lateral direction"
as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims
refers to a direction extending from side to side (lateral side and
medial side) or the width of an article of footwear. The lateral
direction may generally be perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction. The term "vertical direction" as used with respect to an
article of footwear throughout this detailed description and in the
claims refers to the direction that is normal to the plane of the
sole of the article of footwear. Moreover, the vertical direction
may generally be perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction
and the lateral direction.
The present disclosure describes to an article of footwear and a
method of manufacturing the same. The presently disclosed
manufacturing method allows tuning of the fit and cushioning of the
article of footwear. In certain embodiments, the method includes
(a) providing a sole structure in a relaxed state that includes
apertures, wherein the apertures are arranged in an auxetic
configuration; (b) placing the sole structure under tension such
that the sole structure undergoes auxetic expansion; and (c)
attaching an upper to the sole structure while the sole structure
is under tension. The sole structure, which has an auxetic
configuration, compresses the upper after it is attached. As a
consequence, when a foot is inserted in the article of footwear,
the upper expands, and the sole structure does a better job
contouring to the foot during expansion than if the upper was
merely draped. Therefore, the article of footwear promotes a better
fit, feel, and more fully engages the auxetic qualities of the sole
structure than other articles of footwear. The method may further
include releasing tension from the sole structure such that the
sole structure returns to the relaxed state. The method may further
include providing a last. The last has a lower last surface with a
lower last surface area, and the sole structure has a last
contacting surface with an interior surface area. The lower last
surface area of the last may be greater than the interior surface
area of the last contacting surface of the sole structure when the
sole structure is in the relaxed state. The interior surface area
of the last contacting surface may be equal to the lower last
surface area when the sole structure is tensioned.
The method may further include attaching the upper to the sole
structure while the sole structure is tensioned to form an article.
The article may define a cavity with a tensioned volume while the
sole structure is tensioned. The method may further include
removing the article from the last such that the sole structure
reverts to the relaxed state. The cavity has a relaxed volume when
the sole structure is in the relaxed state, and the relaxed volume
may be less than the tensioned volume. Placing the sole structure
under tension may include applying tension laterally across the
sole structure. The laterally applied tension may cause the sole
structure to expand both laterally and longitudinally. The sole
structure has a first length and a first width in the relaxed
state. The sole structure has a second length and a second width in
a tensioned state. The second width may be greater than the first
width, and the second length may be greater than the first
length.
In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing an article of
footwear includes: (1) forming a sole structure with apertures,
wherein the apertures are spaced in an auxetic configuration, and
the sole structure has a first sole length and a first sole width;
(b) providing a last with a lower surface, the last including a
last length and a last width, wherein the first sole length is less
than the last length, the first sole width is less than the last
width; (c) tensioning the sole structure laterally such that the
sole structure expands both laterally and longitudinally, wherein
the tensioned sole structure has a second sole length and a second
sole width, the second sole length is greater than the first sole
length, and the second sole width is greater than the first sole
width; (d) disposing the tensioned sole structure on the lower
surface of the last; and (e) attaching an upper to the tensioned
sole structure. The method may further include removing the upper
and the sole structure from the last. The sole structure reverts to
having the first sole length and the first sole width after being
removed from the last. The sole structure may be formed of foam.
The upper includes apertures, and the apertures are arranged in an
auxetic configuration. While the sole structure is tensioned, the
apertures of the sole structure may be substantially the same size
as the apertures of the upper while the upper is tensioned. While
the sole structure is tensioned, the apertures of the sole
structure may be larger than the apertures of the upper while the
upper is tensioned. The upper that is attached to the sole
structure may form an article located on the last. The article has
a cavity, and the cavity having a tensioned volume while the
article is on the last. The method may further include removing the
article from the last such that the sole structure reverts to the
first sole width and first sole length. The cavity has a relaxed
volume, and the relaxed volume may be less than the tensioned
volume.
The present disclosure also describes an article of footwear. In
some embodiments, the article includes an upper and a sole
structure attached to the upper. Each of the upper and the sole
structure defines a plurality of apertures arranged in an auxetic
configuration. When worn by a user, the sole structure is
configured to expand auxetically, and the upper is also configured
to expand auxetically. The sole structure has a first thickness
when the sole structure is in a neutral state. The sole structure
has a second thickness when the sole structure is subjected to a
lateral force, and the first thickness and the second thickness may
be substantially similar. When the upper and the sole structure are
subjected to a force of the same magnitude, both the upper and the
sole structure may be configured to expand at a substantially
similar rate. When the upper and the sole structure are subjected
to a force of the same magnitude, the upper may expand at a greater
rate than that of the sole structure.
FIG. 1 is a bottom view of sole structure 100. In some embodiments,
sole structure 100 may be configured to provide traction for an
article of footwear. In addition to providing traction, sole
structure 100 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed
between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other
ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 100 may
vary significantly in different embodiments. In some cases, the
configuration of sole structure 100 can be configured according to
one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 100
may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not
limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring,
as well as other surfaces.
Sole structure 100 may include at least one layer made of an
auxetic structure. This layer can be referred to as an "auxetic
layer" (or "reactive layer"). When the person wearing an article of
footwear that incorporates sole structure 100 engages in an
activity, such as running, turning, leaping or accelerating, that
puts the auxetic layer under increased longitudinal or lateral
tension, the auxetic layer increases in length and width and thus
provides improved traction. This expansion of the auxetic material
may also help to absorb some of the impact with the playing
surface. Although the descriptions below only discuss a limited
number of types of footwear, embodiments can be adapted for many
sport and recreational activities, including tennis and other
racquet sports, walking, jogging, running, hiking, handball,
training, running or walking on a treadmill, as well as team sports
such as basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, field hockey, and
soccer.
In some embodiments, sole structure 100 may include provisions to
facilitate expansion and/or adaptability of a sole structure during
dynamic motions. In some embodiments, a sole structure may be
configured with auxetic provisions. In particular, one or more
components of the sole structure may be capable of undergoing
auxetic motions (e.g., expansion and/or contraction). Sole
structure 100, as shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2 and as
described further in detail below, has an auxetic structure or
configuration. Sole structures comprising auxetic structures are
described in Cross, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2015/0075033, published Mar. 19, 2015 and entitled "Auxetic
Structures and Footwear with Soles Having Auxetic Structures" (the
"Auxetic Structures application"), the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
As described in the Auxetic Structures application, auxetic
materials have a negative Poisson's ratio, such that when they are
under tension in a first direction their dimensions increase both
in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal or
perpendicular to the first direction. This property of an auxetic
material or structure is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, sole structure 100 may include a plurality of
apertures. Plurality of apertures 102 may be configured to provide
an auxetic effect or auxetic action. That is, when sole structure
100 is subjected to a lateral force, sole structure 100 may extend
laterally as well as longitudinally. As shown in FIG. 2, sole
structure 100 is subjected to lateral force 104. When subjected to
lateral force 104, sole structure 100 extends lateral distance 106
as well as longitudinal distance 108. Due to the geometric
configuration of plurality of apertures 102, sole structure 100
extends along an axis parallel to lateral force 104 as well as
along an axis perpendicular to lateral force 104. As shown, each
aperture of plurality of apertures 102 expands laterally and
longitudinally. The expansion of the apertures in turn causes sole
structure 100 to also expand laterally and longitudinally. This
action may be referred to as auxetic expansion. It should be
recognized that the opposite, auxetic contraction, may also be
possible. That is, during auxetic contraction, when sole structure
100 is subjected to a compressive lateral force, lateral distance
106 as well as longitudinal distance 108 may be decreased. As a
non-limiting example, one or more of the apertures 102 may have a
simple isotoxal star-shaped polygonal shape.
In some embodiments, a sole structure may be designed to have a
first dimension when at rest and a second dimension when subjected
to a force. In some embodiments, altering the size of apertures
within the sole structure may assist in determining or setting the
amount of stretch that the sole structure will experience when
subjected to a force. That is, by changing the size of the
apertures, the percentage change in the cross-sectional area
encompassed by a sole structure when subjected to a tensile force
may be altered. As shown in FIG. 1, plurality of apertures 102 may
be narrow or small. In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIG.
1, plurality of apertures 102 may be slits in sole structure 100.
Narrower apertures may be configured to stretch to a greater degree
than larger apertures. That is because the percentage difference in
cross-sectional area between a narrow aperture in an untensioned or
relaxed state compared to the narrow aperture in a tensioned state
is greater than the percentage difference in cross-sectional area
of a larger aperture in an untensioned or neutral state as to a
larger aperture in a tensioned state.
In some embodiments, plurality of apertures 102 may be particularly
sized in a relaxed state such that when subjected to a force that
the stretched sole structure 100 will be a second particular size.
For example, in some embodiments, each aperture of plurality of
apertures 102 may be sized such that when pulled or stretched a
particular distance that plurality of apertures 102 may be a
particular size. More specifically, for example, when sole
structure 100 is stretched a quarter of an inch, plurality of
apertures 102 may have a cross-sectional area of approximately
one-quarter inch squared. By changing the size of plurality of
apertures 102 in a relaxed state, the size of the plurality of
apertures 102 in a tensioned state may therefore be altered. The
desired size of each aperture of plurality of apertures 102 when
tensioned may therefore be used to size plurality of apertures 102
in a relaxed state. Additionally, utilizing smaller-sized or
larger-sized apertures in a relaxed state will also influence the
size of apertures in a tensioned state.
In some embodiments, the size and shape of plurality of apertures
102 may be particularly formed to achieve various properties within
a sole structure. In some embodiments, plurality of apertures 102
may be sized such that when an article of footwear that utilizes
sole structure 100 is put on a foot of a user, plurality of
apertures 102 may be relatively large. That is, in some
embodiments, when worn by a user such that sole structure 100
stretches, plurality of apertures 102 may encompass a large
percentage of sole structure 100. In such embodiments, sole
structure 100 may be able to bend or twist to a greater extent than
in embodiments with smaller apertures. This is because a sole
structure with less material may be able to bend to a greater
degree than a sole structure with a greater amount of the same
material. When stretched, the same amount of material of sole
structure 100 is spread over a larger cross section when compared
to sole structure 100 in a tensioned state. In other embodiments,
plurality of apertures 102 may be designed such that when worn by a
user, a smaller percentage of sole structure 100 is occupied by the
apertures. In such an embodiment, sole structure 100 may resist
bending or twisting to a greater degree than in embodiments with a
larger area occupied by apertures. An embodiment may utilize a
design with a smaller percentage of sole structure 100 occupied by
the apertures to allow for support and stability while also
including a sole structure with auxetic properties.
The embodiments described herein can make use of any of the
apparatus or structures described in Cross, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2015/0075033, published Mar. 19, 2015 and entitled
"Auxetic Structures and Footwear with Soles Having Auxetic
Structures. In Cross et al., many different auxetic structures are
discussed with varying thicknesses, material compositions, and
geometries relating to sole structures. Further, the embodiments
described herein can also make use of apparatus or structures
described in Hull, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/774,186,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0237850, the entirety
of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In Hull, auxetic
material is used in conjunction with inelastic material in the
formation of straps.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a method of forming an article of
footwear is depicted. Referring particularly to FIG. 3, sole
structure 100 and last contacting surface 103 are spaced from last
110 (e.g., a shoe last). In the embodiment as depicted, upper 112
may be positioned around a portion of last 110. Upper 112 may be
formed of various materials including knit material, woven or
non-woven material as well as foam, polyurethane materials, and
other materials. In some embodiments, upper 112 may be prepared to
receive sole structure 100. For example, in some embodiments, upper
112 may include an adhesive that is applied along the edge of upper
112. In further embodiments, upper 112 may extend completely around
lower surface 114 of last 110. In such embodiments, upper 112 may
appear sock-like. In embodiments in which upper 112 extends along
lower surface 114 of last 110, an adhesive such as a glue may be
applied along the portion of upper 112 that covers lower surface
114 of last 110.
In some embodiments, the flexibility and/or stretchiness of upper
112 may vary. In some embodiments, upper 112 may be designed to
have little stretch, whereas in other embodiments upper 112 may be
designed to have significant stretch, such that in one or more
directions a dimension along said direction may be increased by
several or more percent of its unstretched length. The properties
of upper 112 may be altered or chosen based on the intended fit of
the article. For example, in an embodiment that includes a flexible
sole structure, upper 112 may also be flexible to complement the
properties of the sole structure. Additionally, upper 112 may be
rigid or less flexible to provide stability to an article of
footwear.
Referring now to FIG. 4, sole structure 100 is shown positioned
along lower surface 114 of last 110. For example, the sole
structure 100 may be directly disposed on the lower surface 114 of
last 110. As shown, sole structure 100 is in a relaxed, neutral, or
untensioned state such that plurality of apertures 102 are closed
or are constricted compared to the tensioned state. In such a
state, as can be seen, sole structure 100 does not extend to edge
116 of upper 112 laterally or medially. That is, sole structure 100
is smaller or shorter longitudinally and laterally than last 110.
Therefore, the area of the last contacting surface of sole
structure 100 may be less than the area of lower surface 114 of
last 110. In some embodiments, in an untensioned or relaxed state,
sole structure 100 may be near the full width and length of last
110, whereas in other embodiments, in an untensioned state, sole
structure 100 may be 10 percent to 60 percent shorter or smaller
laterally and/or longitudinally than last 110. In other
embodiments, in an untensioned state, sole structure 100 may be
between 1 percent and 10 percent shorter or smaller laterally
and/or longitudinally than last 110.
Referring now to FIG. 5, sole structure 100 may be subjected to
tensile force 118. As shown, as sole structure 100 is subjected to
tensile force 118, plurality of apertures 102 enlarge. Because
plurality of apertures 102 enlarge, the size of sole structure 100
may also enlarge. As shown in FIG. 5, sole structure 100 may
undergo auxetic expansion and extend laterally as well as
longitudinally when subjected to a lateral force. In the
configuration as shown, sole structure 100 now aligns with edge 116
of upper 112 along the medial side and lateral side as well as
along the heel and forefoot portions of upper 112. As shown, sole
structure 100 now occupies a greater percentage of the surface area
of lower surface 114. It should be recognized that, when stretched,
the material that forms sole structure 100 may stretch; however,
auxetic expansion accounts for a substantial majority of the change
in surface area occupied by sole structure 100 in a tensioned
configuration.
In some embodiments, an interior area of sole structure 100 may be
altered when sole structure 100 is tensioned. As discussed herein,
"interior area" refers to an area within the bounds of a given item
that defines the overall shape of the item. For example, perimeter
101 defines the bounds of sole structure 100. Sole structure 100,
as shown in FIG. 4, may have a smaller interior area than sole
structure 100, as shown in FIG. 5, because perimeter 101
encompasses less area in the untensioned or relaxed state compared
to the tensioned state. Therefore, last contacting surface 103 may
encompass a smaller interior area in an untensioned state as
compared to a tensioned state.
In some embodiments, upper 112 may be secured to sole structure 100
while sole structure 100 is tensioned. Upper 112 may be secured to
sole structure 100 using an adhesive or upper 112 may be secured
using other techniques. For example, in some embodiments, upper 112
may be stitched or sewn to sole structure 100, while in further
embodiments, upper 112 may be secured to sole structure 100 using
needles, pins, tacks, or other devices. Once sole structure 100 is
secured to upper 112, article of footwear 120 may be formed.
Referring now to FIG. 6, article of footwear 120, also referred to
simply as article 120, may be removed from last 110. In some
embodiments, sole structure 100 may be particularly designed to
accommodate additional stretch when removing article 120 from last
110. As article 120 is removed, additional tensile force may be
applied to sole structure 100, thereby further expanding sole
structure 100 and assisting in the removal of article 120 from last
110. By designing additional stretch accommodations into sole
structure 100, it may be easier to remove article 120 from last 110
as compared to articles of footwear that do not include additional
stretch accommodations in the sole structure. As article 120 is
removed, various portions of sole structure 100 may compress to the
relaxed or neutral state. For example, heel region 14 of sole
structure 100 may include apertures that are fully closed, whereas
forefoot region 10 of sole structure 100 may include almost fully
extended apertures. Additionally, midfoot region 12 may include
apertures that are partially closed. As article 120 is removed from
last 110, the force or tension provided by last 110 to sole
structure 100 may be removed, thereby allowing sole structure 100
to revert to a relaxed state. The article of footwear may be tuned
using auxetic structures. With the auxetic structures, the ride,
fit, and cushioning across the sole structure can be customized.
Such customization is generally not possible when using a
monolithic rubber or foam sole. The heel region 14 is configured to
absorb energy, while providing lateral stability. The midfoot
region 12 can be stiffer than the heel region 14 and/or
non-auxetic, because the foot exerts very little contact pressure
at the midfoot portion 12 when compared with the heel region 14.
The forefoot region 10 has enough firmness and structure to enable
a good/firm push-off without needing to dig out of a mushy
cushion.
Referring now to FIG. 7, article 120 has been removed from last
110. As shown, length 122 of sole structure 100 is shorter than
length 124 of last 110. Because force has been released from sole
structure 100, plurality of apertures 102 of sole structure 100 are
collapsed or closed in the relaxed state of sole structure 100
causing the length of sole structure 100 may be reduced.
Additionally, width 126 of sole structure 100 is less than width
128 of last 110. Because plurality of apertures 102 are arranged in
an auxetic configuration, when sole structure 100 reduces in
length, sole structure 100 may also reduce in width. Once article
120 is removed from last 110, last 110 no longer restricts sole
structure 100 from returning to the relaxed form of sole structure
100.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, various views of an article of
footwear are shown in a relaxed state and when worn or used by a
user. Referring particularly to FIGS. 8-10, various views are
depicted of article 120 at rest or in a relaxed state. FIG. 9
depicts sole structure 100 in a relaxed or untensioned state.
Although sole structure 100 is attached to upper 112, sole
structure 100 may revert to a shape and size similar to the shape
and size of sole structure 100 prior to sole structure 100 being
attached to upper 112. In other embodiments, upper 112 may be
stiffer or more rigid such that upper 112 may resist or restrain
sole structure 100 such that sole structure 100 is not able to
return to a completely relaxed configuration.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of article 120 is
depicted. As shown, plurality of apertures 102 of sole structure
100 are narrow, which in turn causes sole structure 100 to have
width 126 that is also narrow. Because upper 112 is adhered to sole
structure 100 when sole structure 100 is under tension from last
110, when the tension is removed, upper 112 may include a surplus
of material. In some embodiments therefore, upper 112 may form a
bulbous structure when article 120 is in a relaxed state. The
figure is meant to be representative and does not necessarily
depict the amount of extra material that may be present.
FIGS. 11-14 depict article 120 with foot 130 of a user being
inserted into article 120. As foot 130 is inserted into article
120, sole structure 100 may stretch in an auxetic manner to
accommodate foot 130. In some embodiments, foot 130 may be longer
longitudinally than sole structure 100. In such embodiments, sole
structure 100 may expand longitudinally thereby accommodating the
length of foot 130. Similarly, in some embodiments, foot 130 may be
wider laterally than sole structure 100. In such embodiments, sole
structure 100 may expand laterally thereby accommodating the width
of foot 130.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, the change in width and
length of sole structure 100 is clearly depicted. The dotted line
shown in FIG. 13 is representative of sole structure 100 when sole
structure 100 is not subjected to a force, such as shown in FIG. 9.
In FIG. 13, sole structure 100 has been stretched by foot 130 such
that sole structure 100 extends laterally and longitudinally.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, width 132 of sole structure 100
may be larger than width 126 shown in FIG. 10. As foot 130 presses
against upper 112 of article 120, upper 112 may pull against sole
structure 100. This pulling or tensioning of sole structure 100 may
cause plurality of apertures 102 within sole structure 100 to
expand, thereby expanding sole structure 100.
In some embodiments, the design of sole structure 100 may increase
comfort or fit of article 120. Because sole structure 100 may
expand to accommodate a foot, the fit of article 120 may be more
comfortable or exact when compared to other embodiments without
sole structure 100. As a foot presses against upper 112, sole
structure 100 expands to accommodate the shape or size of foot 130.
Upper 112 may be snug against foot 130 due to the accommodation of
sole structure 100 to the size of foot 130.
In other embodiments, a sole structure may be designed such that it
is compressed before being attached to an upper. That is, in some
embodiments, the sole structure may be larger when in the relaxed
state and compressed before attaching to an upper. In such
embodiments, the apertures may be larger in the relaxed state than
as depicted in the previous embodiment. Once compressed, the sole
structure would reduce in size laterally and longitudinally in
order to align with the upper around a last. This technique would
provide a sole structure that is larger in the relaxed state.
Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, an alternate embodiment of portions
of an article of footwear is depicted. FIG. 15 depicts sole
structure 200 in an untensioned or relaxed state. In some
embodiments, sole structure 200 may have a similar composition to
that of sole structure 100 described previously. In other
embodiments, sole structure 200 may be formed of a different
material, thickness, size, or shape. Sole structure 200 may include
plurality of apertures 202. In some embodiments, plurality of
apertures 202 may have an auxetic shape or may be arranged in an
auxetic configuration as discussed previously with regard to sole
structure 100. That is, plurality of apertures 202 may be shaped
such that when sole structure 200 is subjected to a tensile force
laterally, sole structure 200 may extend both laterally and
longitudinally. Additionally, when sole structure 200 is compressed
laterally, sole structure 200 may reduce in width as well as in
length. For example, one or more of the apertures 202 may have a
simple isotoxal star-shaped polygonal shape.
As shown in FIG. 16, upper 212 is depicted including plurality of
apertures 242. In some embodiments, upper 212 may be formed of the
same material as sole structure 200. In other embodiments, upper
212 may be formed of other various materials. For example, in some
embodiments, upper 212 may be formed of a woven material, non-woven
material, or knit material. In other embodiments, upper 212 may be
formed of a polyurethane material or foam as well as other
materials.
Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, sole structure 200 is subjected
to tensile force 218 while upper 212 is subjected to tensile force
248. In a similar manner as sole structure 100, sole structure 200
and upper 212 may expand. When subjected to tensile force 218 along
a lateral axis, sole structure 200 may expand laterally as well as
longitudinally. In a similar manner, when subjected to tensile
force 248 along a lateral axis, upper 212 may expand or extend
laterally as well as longitudinally. As discussed previously,
because upper 212 and sole structure 200 include apertures arranged
in an auxetic configuration, both upper 212 and sole structure 200
may extend along a direction parallel to the direction of a tensile
force as well as along a direction perpendicular to the direction
of a tensile force. The apertures of sole structure 200 and upper
212 may expand in a manner as discussed previously with reference
to sole structure 100. That is, plurality of apertures 202 and
plurality of apertures 242 may expand in an auxetic manner.
Referring now to FIG. 19, sole structure 200, upper 212, and last
210 are depicted. In this view, sole structure 200 and upper 212
are in a relaxed or untensioned state. As shown, therefore,
plurality of apertures 202 and plurality of apertures 242 are in a
closed or relaxed state. As discussed previously with reference to
sole structure 100, plurality of apertures 202 and plurality of
apertures 242 may be various shapes and sizes. That is, although
depicted as slits or narrow apertures, plurality of apertures 202
and plurality of apertures 242 may be larger or more open than as
depicted in FIG. 19. By changing the size of plurality of apertures
202 and plurality of apertures 242 in a relaxed state, the
flexibility and fit of an article using sole structure 200 and
upper 212 may be altered.
In some embodiments, an upper may be sized such that it is
necessary to stretch the upper when wrapping the upper around a
last. As shown in FIG. 19, upper 212 may be sized such that in
order to wrap upper 212 around last 210 it may be necessary to
stretch upper 212 thereby expanding plurality of apertures 242.
That is, in some embodiments, in a relaxed or untensioned state,
upper 212 may be smaller than required to wrap around last 210 and
form an article of footwear. In some embodiments, upper 212 may be
particularly sized such that when stretched, upper 212 may extend
vertically, laterally, and longitudinally to particular areas along
last 210.
Referring now to FIG. 20, upper 212 is shown being wrapped around
last 210. As upper 212 is wrapped around last 210, various portions
of upper 212 may begin to stretch. As shown, for example, plurality
of apertures 242 in forefoot region 10 may be stretched to a
greater degree than plurality of apertures 242 toward midfoot
region 12. As upper 212 is pressed, pulled, and stretched around
last 210, plurality of apertures 242 may expand and thereby
increase the size of upper 212.
Referring now to FIG. 21, upper 212 may be secured around last 210.
As shown, plurality of apertures 242 may expand in an auxetic
manner. Because upper 212 may be folded or twisted while being
wrapped around last 210, upper 212 may be in a three-dimensional
orientation. This orientation may allow for upper 212 to extend
vertically (for example, along ankle region 16 of last 210), as
well as laterally and longitudinally. The location and orientation
of upper 212 may be specifically designed to stretch a particular
amount laterally, longitudinally, and vertically. By particularly
placing apertures, and particularly sizing the apertures, the
location and size of upper 212 on last 210 may be particularly
located.
Referring now to FIG. 22, sole structure 200 may be placed along
last 210. As shown, sole structure 200 may not extend to edge 216
of upper 212. Sole structure 200 may be designed such that when
stretched, as shown in FIG. 23, sole structure 200 may align with
edge 216. That is, sole structure 200 may be designed such that
when tensioned, sole structure 200 will align with edge 216 from
heel region 14 to forefoot region 10 and from medial side 18 to
lateral side 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, plurality of
apertures 202 may be closed or collapsed when not tensioned. This
design may allow for sole structure 200 to be able to stretch a
large amount and to attach to upper 212 at a particular tension to
upper 212.
Referring particularly to FIG. 23, sole structure 200 may be
tensioned such that the periphery of sole structure 200 aligns with
edge 216. In a similar manner as described in reference to an
alternate embodiment, upper 212 may be secured to sole structure
200 in this configuration. While stretched, sole structure 200 may
be glued, stitched, fastened, or otherwise secured to upper
212.
As shown in FIG. 23, article of footwear 220 or simply article 220
may be formed by securing sole structure 200 to upper 212. In some
embodiments, sole structure 200 and upper 212 may be stretched to a
same or similar tension. In some embodiments, therefore, the size
of plurality of apertures 242 and plurality of apertures 202 may be
substantially the same when tensioned as shown in FIG. 23. In other
embodiments, various portions of sole structure 200 and upper 212
may have similar or substantially the same tension levels. By
matching the tension of upper 212 and sole structure 200, the
article of footwear 220 formed with both upper 212 and sole
structure 200 may stretch in a substantially uniform manner.
Referring now to FIG. 24, article 220 is depicted being removed
from last 210. Because both upper 212 and sole structure 200
include plurality of apertures 242 and plurality of apertures 202,
upper 212 and sole structure 200 may stretch during the removal
process. By arranging the plurality of apertures 202 in an auxetic
configuration, it may be easier to remove article 220 from last 210
when compared to other articles that do not include apertures
arranged in an auxetic configuration. In contrast to other
embodiments that may utilize apertures that are not arranged in an
auxetic configuration, the arrangement of the apertures in article
220 allow article 220 to expand in multiple directions when
subjected to a tensile force. For example, by tensioning sole
structure 200 laterally, sole structure 200 will expand laterally
as well as longitudinally. In other embodiments without apertures
in an auxetic configuration, tensioning sole structure 200
laterally will decrease the length of sole structure 200
longitudinally. Decreasing the length of sole structure 200 may
inhibit article 220 from being removed from last 210. The
arrangement of apertures in an auxetic configuration may therefore
assist in removing article 220 from last 210.
Referring now to FIG. 25, article 220 is depicted removed from last
210. As shown, article 220 is smaller laterally, longitudinally,
and vertically than when article 220 was mounted on last 210. As
discussed previously, because upper 212 and sole structure 200 were
tensioned or stretched around last 210 during assembly, when
removed from last 210 the tension may be released. As shown,
plurality of apertures 242 of upper 212 and plurality of apertures
202 of sole structure 200 may be closed or reduced in
cross-sectional area. The reduction in size may cause the overall
size of upper 212 and sole structure 200 to be reduced, thereby
reducing the size of article 220.
Referring now to FIGS. 26 through 28, various views of article 220
are shown. In these figures, article 220 is depicted in a relaxed
or untensioned state. FIG. 26 is an isometric view of article 220.
As shown in FIG. 26, plurality of apertures 242 of upper 212 are in
a closed or relaxed state. FIG. 27 includes a depiction of a
lateral cross section of article 220 through sole structure 200 and
upper 212. FIG. 28 includes a depiction of a longitudinal cross
section of article 220 through sole structure 200 and upper
212.
As shown in FIG. 27, sole structure 200 has an untensioned width
300. Because plurality of apertures 202 of sole structure 200 are
narrow or closed, the width of sole structure 200 may be narrower
than when sole structure 200 is tensioned. Similarly, apertures 242
of upper 212 may also be narrow or closed. Because plurality of
apertures 242 are narrow or closed, untensioned lateral perimeter
304 may be shorter or smaller than the perimeter of upper 212 when
upper 212 is tensioned. Untensioned lateral perimeter 304 may refer
to the cross-sectional perimeter of upper 212 from medial side 18
to lateral side 20 of article 220. By changing the perimeter of
upper 212, the cross-sectional area of cavity 306 may also be
varied or changed. As shown in FIG. 27, lateral cross-sectional
area 308 of cavity 306 may be smaller than when upper 212 is
tensioned. Additionally, tensioning sole structure 200 may also
contribute to enlarging lateral cross-sectional area 308. Because
both sole structure 200 and upper 212 bound cavity 306, when either
or both of sole structure 200 and upper 212 change in length the
volume of cavity 306 may change and also the cross-sectional area
of various portions of article 220 may also change.
In some embodiments, the upper and the sole structure of an article
of footwear may have various thicknesses. As shown in FIG. 27,
upper 212 has thickness 250 and sole structure 200 has thickness
252. In some embodiments, thickness 250 of upper 212 may be similar
to thickness 252 of sole structure 200. In other embodiments,
thickness 250 may be greater than thickness 252. In still further
embodiments, thickness 250 may be less than thickness 252. The
thickness of various components of article 220 may be varied to
alter the amount of cushioning, support, or other attributes.
Referring now to FIG. 28, a longitudinal cross section of article
220 is depicted. As shown, plurality of apertures 202 of sole
structure 200 and plurality of apertures 242 of upper 212 may be
narrow or closed in the relaxed state. In this configuration, sole
structure 200 has untensioned length 310. Because plurality of
apertures 202 are closed or narrow in the untensioned
configuration, untensioned length 310 may be less than in
embodiments in which sole structure 200 is subjected to a tensile
force. Further, as shown in FIG. 28, upper 212 includes untensioned
longitudinal perimeter 312. Untensioned longitudinal perimeter 312
may extend from a toe edge of sole structure 200 to a heel edge of
sole structure 200. In this configuration, untensioned longitudinal
perimeter 312 may be smaller than a longitudinal perimeter when
article 220 is tensioned.
In the configuration as shown, cavity 306 may have a relatively
smaller volume when compared to a tensioned article 220. As shown,
therefore, article 220 may occupy a smaller space or volume when
compared to other embodiments that do not include pre-stretched or
pre-tensioned auxetic features. Because article 220 may be smaller
than other articles, packaging and storage of article 220 may be
less than other embodiments that do not utilize auxetic apertures
in an upper and the sole structure. By reducing the amount of space
necessary to store article 220, the quantity of money necessary to
form a box or other receptacle may be decreased as well as cost of
storage.
Referring now to FIGS. 29-32, a foot may be inserted into article
220. As shown in FIG. 29, foot 400 is inserted through ankle
opening 402 of article 220. As shown, plurality of apertures 242 of
upper 212 may expand thereby assisting in the insertion of foot 400
into article 220.
Referring now to FIGS. 30-32, various views of article 220 with
foot 400 are depicted. As shown in FIG. 30, plurality of apertures
242 may expand when foot 400 is inserted into article 220. Although
plurality of apertures 242 are shown as expanding to the same
degree, it should be recognized that each aperture of plurality of
apertures 242 may expand at different rates or to different sizes
depending on the amount of force that each area of upper 212
receives. For example, in some embodiments, foot 400 may be wider
in forefoot region 10 than in heel region 14. Therefore, in some
embodiments, plurality of apertures 242 in forefoot region 10 may
not expand to the same degree or the same amount as plurality of
apertures 242 in heel region 14.
Referring to FIG. 31, a lateral cross section of article 220 is
depicted. As shown, foot 400 presses against upper 212 and causes
plurality of apertures 242 to expand. Additionally, foot 400 may
also cause plurality of apertures 202 to expand. By expanding upper
212 and sole structure 200, foot 400 may also increase the volume
of cavity 306.
As shown in FIG. 31, as plurality of apertures 202 expand, the
width of sole structure 200 increases to tensioned width 404. In
this embodiment, tensioned width 404 may be larger than untensioned
width 300. The ability of sole structure 200 to conform and react
to the size and shape of foot 400 may increase comfort and feel
when compared to embodiments that do not include apertures arranged
in an auxetic configuration. Additionally, tensioned lateral
perimeter 406 may be larger than untensioned lateral perimeter 304.
Because tensioned lateral perimeter 406 and tensioned width 404 of
article 220 may be larger than article 220 in an untensioned state,
the lateral cross-sectional area of article 220 may be larger than
lateral cross-sectional area 308 of untensioned article 220. The
larger cross-sectional area of the tensioned article 220 may allow
article 220 to accommodate various sizes of feet in a comfortable
manner. By including various apertures with an auxetic
configuration, pressure points along foot 400 may be reduced.
In some embodiments, upper 212 and sole structure 200 may press
against foot 400 such that article 220 tightly or closely contours
to the shape and size of foot 400. This tight fit may mimic a
barefoot feeling to the user. Additionally, because article 220 may
expand different amounts based on differing levels of tension,
users with differently shaped feet may be able to have comfortable
and form-fitting articles of footwear with the same article of
footwear. That is, a single article of footwear may fit comfortably
on differently shaped feet.
In some embodiments, the thickness of various components of an
article may remain substantially consistent when stretched. As
shown in FIG. 31, thickness 250 of upper 212 remains substantially
unchanged in a stretched configuration. Additionally, thickness 252
of sole structure 200 also remains substantially unchanged in a
stretched configuration. Thickness 250 may remain substantially the
same between upper 212 when untensioned and upper 212 when
tensioned because when upper 212 is stretched, plurality of
apertures 242 are opened or expanded. Similarly, plurality of
apertures 202 of sole structure 200 are opened or expanded when
stretched. Because the plurality of apertures are able to be opened
or expanded, the amount of stress on the material that forms upper
212 and sole structure 200 may be reduced. Therefore, the material
that forms upper 212 and sole structure 200 may not stretch to the
same degree as an upper or sole structure that does not include
auxetic apertures. For example, a sole structure that does not
include apertures may stretch laterally and longitudinally;
however, when stretched laterally and longitudinally the sole
structure would also diminish in thickness. That is because without
apertures that material that forms the sole structure itself would
stretch, as compared with the present embodiment that utilizes the
mechanical structure of sole structure 200 and upper 212 to
expand.
Referring now to FIG. 32, a longitudinal cross section of article
220 is depicted. As shown, plurality of apertures 242 and plurality
of apertures 202 have expanded and have therefore enlarged the
longitudinal perimeter as well as the length of article 220. For
example, tensioned longitudinal perimeter 410 may be larger or
longer than untensioned longitudinal perimeter 312. Additionally,
tensioned length 408 may be longer or larger than untensioned
length 310. The expansion of the length, width, and perimeter of
article 220 may allow for variously shaped feet to be inserted into
article 220. Additionally, because various portions stretch when
subjected to force, article 220 may conform to foot 400.
Referring now to FIG. 33, an alternate article of footwear is
depicted. As shown, article 502 includes plurality of apertures
504. Plurality of apertures 504 may be arranged in an auxetic
configuration as discussed previously in regard to other
embodiments. Foot 500 may be inserted into article 502 and cause
various portions of article 502 to stretch with respect to other
portions. Because foot 500 may not have a uniform shape or size,
various portions of article 502 may stretch to varying degrees with
respect to each other. For example, forefoot apertures 506 in
forefoot region 10 may stretch to a greater degree than midfoot
apertures 508 in midfoot region 12. Further, heel apertures 510 in
heel region 14 may stretch to a greater degree than midfoot
apertures 508.
In some embodiments, the size of plurality of apertures 504 may be
varied in a pre-stretched formation. That is, prior to forming
article 502, plurality of apertures 504 may be particularly sized
for a desired effect. For example, in a pre-stretched formation,
midfoot apertures 508 may be smaller than forefoot apertures 506.
When worn by a user, in some embodiments, midfoot apertures 508 and
forefoot apertures 506 may be approximately the same size. By
determining where on article 502 various pressure points may be
located, article 502 may be designed to have apertures of generally
the same size when worn by a user. This may give a user a uniform
feel through article 502 around foot 500.
In some embodiments, a sole structure and an upper may be designed
to have different stretch properties. For example, sole structure
600 and upper 602 shown in FIG. 34 may have substantially similar
sized apertures. In such an embodiment, when assembled, an article
of footwear may have similarly shaped apertures. An article in this
configuration may require the same magnitude of force in order to
stretch upper 602 as well as sole structure 600. That is, the
apertures of upper 602 and sole structure 600 may expand at a
substantially similar rate when subjected to a substantially
similar magnitude of force. In other embodiments, such as shown in
FIG. 35, an upper and a sole structure may have differently shaped
apertures. For example, plurality of apertures 704 of upper 702 may
be larger than plurality of apertures 706 of sole structure 700. An
article may be designed in this manner in order to limit stretch in
various areas. Plurality of apertures 704 may have a small amount
that they may be permitted to stretch. In contrast, plurality of
apertures 706 of sole structure 700 are shown as slits. Such a
configuration may allow plurality of apertures 706 to stretch to a
greater degree than plurality of apertures 704. Both plurality of
apertures 704 and plurality of apertures 706 generally may expand
to a triangular shape. However, plurality of apertures 706 are
further away from the triangular shape than are plurality of
apertures 704. That is, plurality of apertures 706 have greater
room or ability to expand than plurality of apertures 704. Because
of this difference, sole structure 700 may increase a greater
amount in length and in width or at a greater rate when subjected
to tension than upper 702. By varying the geometry of the plurality
of apertures in a sole structure or upper, the amount of stretch
may therefore be limited, increased, or otherwise customized.
While various embodiments have been described, the description is
intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more
embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the
scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used
in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element
in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various
modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the
attached claims.
* * * * *